Adirondack Mountain Club

Statement 

Betty Lou Bailey Memorial Service

      Betty Lou Bailey, an environmental leader and longtime Adirondack Mountain Club member and volunteer, died Tuesday, Nov. 13. She was 78. 

      For decades, Betty Lou was one of ADK’s most active members and volunteers. She served for many years on the club’s Conservation Committee and chaired its canoe route subcommittee. She was also a board member of the Schenectady Chapter and chaired the chapter’s Conservation Committee. Betty Lou frequently led chapter hikes and paddles. 

      In 2004, Betty Lou received the David L. Newhouse Conservation Award, ADK’s highest conservation award. The award recognized her work monitoring hydropower applications to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Betty Lou was a tireless advocate for New York’s rivers, and her dam licensing work helped ensure that sufficient water was released downstream to support river life and water recreation.

      Betty Lou graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in mechanical engineering and received a master’s degree from Penn State University. A Guilderland resident, Betty Lou worked for the General Electric Co. for 44 years, retiring in 1994. 

      Betty Lou began canoeing in the 1960s, and paddled some of the Northeast’s most challenging Whitewater runs. She taught countless ADK members the techniques of whitewater canoeing. She also enjoyed cycling and snowshoeing and was active in the Mohawk Hudson Cycling Club.

              A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 18, at the First United Methodist Church, 603 State St., Schenectady. Parking is available in the rear of the church off Chapel Street.